How Waterfalls, the UAE's initiative to train 1 million medics, will help fight Covid-19

The free online programme will provide specialised education on coronavirus topics

The UAE will provide medical training to healthcare workers worldwide under a new remote programme. Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE aims to train 1 million medics to shore up the world’s defences against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The country has started an online programme to provide specialised education through a series of webinars, many of which are related to coronavirus.

"Waterfalls", as it is called, can be accessed by medics worldwide for free.

Writing on Twitter, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the initiative was part of the UAE’s duty to aid those fighting the outbreak.

"This is part of the UAE's responsibility to the world to support the global medical sector," said Sheikh Mohammed.

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A Palestinian medical team member works in the Covid-19 section of Dura hospital in the West Bank city of Dura near Hebron. EPA

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who is overseeing its implementation, described the programme as a “gift” from the UAE to the world's healthcare workers.

He said international co-operation was the best way to counter the pandemic.

But how will it help?

The National explains.

Which courses are available?

They vary between general courses that cover subjects such as “healthcare in the time of corona”, to specific topics, such as Covid-19 and chronic liver diseases, dermatology and other specialties.

There are also some courses unrelated to the pandemic.

The webinars are led by about 140 speakers representing 67 academic and training institutions from across the world.

Who can access them?  

Healthcare workers in 14 specialities, including doctors, pharmacists, technicians, those working in hospital management and the humanitarian sector. They can sign up by visiting waterfalls.ae

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How does it work?

Medics must register on the site first. Once that is completed, they will receive login credentials for the session.

Those who take part will obtain a training certificate from the international scientific and academic body leading the course.

Who is behind the initiative?

It has been developed by the UAE Ministry of Possibilities and INDEX Holding, a UAE events and healthcare company, and in co-operation with Aqdar World Summit.

The courses are accredited by almost 50 professional and academic bodies across the world, including American Dental Association, Imperial College London and the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention.